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Glasgow arts festival faces anti-Semitism claims over slogan
An arts festival planned for Glasgow’s Tramway venue has drawn accusations of anti-Semitism over its slogan, “From the Rivers to the Seas”. Critics say the phrase implies the destruction of Israel, while organisers describe the programme as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians and a discussion of colonialism and social justice.
Arika’s five-day Episode 12 programme is scheduled for 11 to 15 November and will feature artists, academics, activists and writers from several countries. Tramway is run by Glasgow Life and receives support from Creative Scotland; Glasgow Life said it had reviewed the programme and would maintain political neutrality, noting it had also hosted Glasgow Friends of Israel. Arika said its partners and funders had been consulted and described the situation in Gaza as an ongoing genocide.
In short
- Glasgow’s Tramway will host a five-day pro-Palestine arts programme.
- Critics say its slogan implies the elimination of Israel.
- Glasgow Life says it reviewed the programme and remains politically neutral.
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The case for
Supporters may see the slogan as a call for Palestinian freedom and equal rights throughout the territory between the river and the sea, rather than as advocacy for Israel’s destruction. They may argue that an arts programme examining colonialism and social justice should be able to express solidarity with Palestinians, particularly amid the devastation in Gaza, while public venues can host competing political perspectives.
The case against
Critics may understand the slogan as denying Israel’s right to exist, or as endorsing the removal of its Jewish population, making its use at a publicly supported venue harmful to Jewish communities. They may argue that political neutrality requires institutions to consider how such language is heard, even when organisers intend it as solidarity with Palestinians, and to apply consistent standards across opposing viewpoints.
Explained simply
Glasgow’s Tramway is an arts venue run by Glasgow Life, the city’s cultural organisation. Arika is an arts group that organises multi-day programmes there, bringing together artists, academics, activists and writers to discuss political and social issues.
The programme’s slogan echoes a phrase used in pro-Palestinian activism. Some people understand it as a call for equal rights and freedom for Palestinians across the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea; others hear it as rejecting Israel’s existence. Its meaning is disputed, and context can affect how it is understood.
The debate sits within a wider disagreement over how to discuss Israel and Palestinians, including the war in Gaza, anti-Semitism and criticism of Israeli policies. Glasgow Life and Creative Scotland have roles as public cultural bodies and supporters of the arts, so questions about political neutrality and public funding are also part of the discussion.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Outrage over ‘anti-Semitic’ event at SNP-backed venue”.